Category: being a citizen

I carry the torch of my immigrant grandmother
in my soul as the guiding light of what it means
to be a citizen of a country that gave her so much
which she passed on to the generations that followed.
She knew the value of hard work and community,
that we are stronger together. Welcoming all,
for the quilt is made beautiful by the diversity
of the pieces that are sewn together.
It’s the hope I find when society bands together,
Looking to ease people’s suffering,
as witnessed in the LA fires.
My dream for my country is that we
can harness that energy not only in times
of natural disasters, but in daily living.
To truly see that my neighbor
is every person that I meet.
Citizenship means standing up for what I believe in,
making my voice heard,
especially when it’s not comfortable,
knowing that freedom for all comes at a price.
So, I hope for the strength to do what is right
when it is easier to sit on the sidelines.